Student Drive Warms Up Chester's Food Pantry In Tribute To MLK

MENDHAM, NJ — Fueled by community spirit and inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to service, the West Morris Regional High School District launched a heartwarming winter drive earlier this month.

The drive received generous donations of essentials such as moisturizing lotion, hairbrushes, tissues, chapstick, hot cereal, hot cocoa, herbal tea and honey.

Students, staff, and families from both West Morris Mendham and West Morris Central, as well as the district office, came together to ensure the success of this initiative.

On Jan. 15, a committed team of staff, faculty, and administrators united to assemble more than 70 winter care kits from the collected donations. These kits, packed with practical comfort, were directly delivered to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry, meeting their specific request.

The Chester and Mendham Food Pantry was founded in 2001, following the formation of the Mayor's Coalition of Community Service Organizations. The Mayor's Coalition included members from various church organizations, civic organizations, and other community members looking to help the community.

The coalition met quarterly to discuss the organization's growing need to assist community members in financial need, which led to the creation of a food pantry in 2001.

"Our purpose is to provide supplemental food, toiletries, household supplies and other assistance to neighbors in need in Chester and Mendham," said the food pantry.

According to district officials, many of the items included in the student-made kits were not covered by SNAP benefits, making them an especially meaningful gesture of care during the cold winter season.

The drive's generosity went beyond the kits, with a larger donation of tissues, chapstick, hot cocoa, tea, and hot cereal warming the shelves of the Long Valley Food Pantry as well.

The MLK National Day of Service, the only federal holiday dedicated to citizen action and volunteerism, was initiated by Atlanta Congressman and civil rights legend John Lewis, who co-authored the King Holiday and Service Act.

Since 1994, AmeriCorps has organized this nationwide day of service, and West Morris has joyfully embraced its spirit.